Pickersgill-Kaye train safety solutions rolling on new stock
Significant investments in the UK’s rail infrastructure and the new generation of Intercity trains, connecting London the south west and northern cities to Scotland, is creating increased demand for Pickersgill-Kaye’s safety critical products, which are designed and manufactured in the UK at its centre of excellence facility in Leeds.
The new fleet of 19, five-carriage trains being delivered by Hitachi for TransPennine Express, are scheduled to enter service in 2019 protected by Pickersgill-Kaye’s Emergency Egress Devices (EED) and Emergency Access Devices (EAD).
Meanwhile, Hull Trains will be replacing its current fleet with new hi-tech Hitachi trains, operating on both diesel and electric traction – giving customers access to the benefits of the East Coast Main Line’s electrified track. These five, five-carriage trains will also be protected by the rail component manufacturer’s passenger emergency units.
Pickersgill-Kaye’s EED and EAD systems comprise of a handle which when pulled activates an electric switch that alerts the driver to the operation of the devices but prevents the door being opened while the vehicles are moving. If after a set time the driver fails to respond, the train will automatically stop.
In addition to supplying the emergency devices designed to alert the train crew of a problem, Pickersgill-Kaye has also won the contract to fit the new trains with the cab door locks for securing the driver’s compartment.
Train builders and operators turn to Pickersgill-Kaye due to the longevity of its products. Recent repeat business includes London Underground, replacing original emergency units supplied by the company years ago for the Metro-Cammell (now Alstom) 1972 rolling stock.
Andy Hewitt, Rail Products Sales Manager at Pickersgill-Kaye, said: “We’re delighted to be playing our part in helping to modernise Britain’s railways. Our safety and locking solutions stand the test of time which is why train companies come back to us. They know our quality-engineered products are designed to last at least the operating life-cycle of the fleet.”
Hitachi Rail Europe is just one of several world-renowned train builders, including Siemens, DB Cargo and Bombardier, recognising Pickersgill-Kaye, a trading division of ASSA ABLOY the global leader in door opening solutions, as a key UK manufacturer of train components.
Owner ASSA ABLOY’s comprehensive renovation has turned Pickersgill-Kaye’s Leeds facility into a R&D centre for rail technology to further boost sales and help the business compete successfully on the global stage designing and engineering the innovative solutions that train builders will require in the future.
Pickersgill-Kaye’s safety critical systems for the rail industry are manufactured with high quality materials and meet regulatory industry standards and specifications for the safe operation of trains, stations and infrastructure.
